Member Article

Eco-Label Guide for Home Products in UK

Are you looking to make a positive change in the environment by going green? Many consumers today are making informed choices about the products they purchase because they want to foster a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families. They also want to leave as small a carbon footprint as they can, and want to improve the quality of the environment they live in. For these reasons, consumers are the UK are investing more and more in ethical and green products.

While many companies are adapting to the green movement, there are those who have started implementing sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials in their products. Many home cleaning products now avoid using petroleum-based ingredients. How can you tell if a product you’re interested in purchasing is eco-friendly and green? Look out for one or more of the following eco-labels on the product!

Blue Angel

Initiated by the German government, Blue Angel awards products that are environmentally friendlier than others in the same category. It promotes environmental and consumer protection by awarding products and services that are beneficial to human health and focuses on four different protection goals: health, climate, water, and resources.

EU Ecolabel

Established by the European Commission in 1992, this voluntary ecolabel scheme governs 30 non-food and non-medical product groups and reviews them every 3-5 years. This certification promotes sustainable consumption and production and the application of sustainable industrial policies as adopted by the European Commission in 2008.

Forest Stewardship Certification

Developed in 1993 in response to concerns about deforestation, FSC monitors products that use sustainable products, particularly forest products like paper and wood. It provides customers with the option to purchase products that have been sourced in an environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and economically viable manner.

Green Gas Certification Scheme

The GGCS tracks biomethane or ‘green gas’ through the supply chain to provide certainty for those that buy it. Products that have this ecolabel mean they have been produced with renewable energy sources and are promoting sustainable energy in the UK.

Compostability Mark of European Bioplastics

Verified by an independent organisation, this scheme identifies products that are recycled organically and labels products that are compostable. Compostability is a clear benefit when plastic items are mixed with bio waste, and this ecolabel ensures that products that are using sustainable methods to recycle are clearly identified.

The ECOLOGO Certification Program

Classified as an ISO Type 1 ecolabel, ECOLOGO verifies products, services and packages that are certified for reduced environmental impact. Products certified under this scheme go under rigorous testing and comply with numerous environmental performance standards.

Green Seal

A non-profit organisation established in 1989, Green Seal allows consumers to look for truly green products that promote sustainable living and the environment. The seal is widely recognised across the globe and promotes products that are environmentally friendly and ecological.

GREENGUARD

Mostly found on cleaning products, this certification label ensures that products have met standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. Products that are labelled with GreenGuard are known to promote cleaner indoor air quality.

To learn more about eco-friendly home products and how you can promote sustainable living, contact Ankush Gupta, owner of St Annes Housekeeping at www.stanneshousekeeping.com or by telephone 447912213208.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ankush Gupta .